Outlook

With a several General Motors recalls underway - especially ones for the Saturn Ion, Outlook, and Sky - I've received emails from quite a few folks who are concerned that their vehicles might be impacted. If you haven't received a letter in the mail from GM and you are worried, General Motors has set up an online database that's searchable by VIN.

General Motors announced today it is recalling 1.18 million of its Lambda-based large crossover sport-utility vehicles, including: Saturn Outlooks from the 2008-2010 model years, Buick Enclaves and GMC Acadias from the 2008-2013 model years, and Chevrolet Traverses from the 2009-2013 model years.

From Auto123.com: Saturn's big family hauler hit the road for 2007, just a few years before the demise of the GM-owned brand. Packing room for up to eight, and riding the same platform as the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, the Saturn Outlook packed standard V6 power, plenty of size, available AWD, and a long list of available feature content.

General Motors is recalling 1.5 million 2007-09 model cars, trucks, and crossovers to disable a heated washer fluid system (HWFS) module that could pose a fire risk. Because the feature will be disabled, GM will make a voluntary payment of $100 to the owner or lessee of each vehicle. There are no known injuries or crashes related to the condition.

A few days ago we took at look back at some of the first Saturn brochure covers. Today we have a sneak peak at what would have been the cover and front spread of the 2010 Saturn brochure. Saturn was reportedly gearing up for a big marketing push in 2010 once the Penske acquisition was completed.

Unprecedented discounts on the last remaining Saturns present an enticing case to anyone in the market for a new car, especially if you're a Saturn owner. Al Clapsaddle, senior sales consultant at Saturn/West in Ohio, sent me an intriguing e-mail the other day detailing the laundry list of incentives available until November 30 — some of which are over and above those that were advertised nationally at the beginning of the month.

Here is a step-by-step how-to guide that I put together after changing the oil in my 2009 Saturn Outlook with GM's 3.6L Direct Injection (DI) V6. The procedure should also work for anyone with who owns a GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse. This process worked for me, but I cannot accept any responsibility for the procedure or provide any guarantees.

Automotive News reports that General Motors is preparing what will likely be one last Saturn advertising campaign in an effort to sell the brand's last remaining 9,400 2008 and 2009 models. Susan Docherty, GM's newly appointed vice president of U.S. sales, told the trade publication that "starting next week, we'll have a print campaign which features that product. In the next 90 days, we'll have cleaned up that inventory. I'm not worried about it at all."

Jessica Anderson from Kiplinger's Personal Finance: If you're in the market for a new car, GM's loss could be your gain. Saturn's dealers have until the end of October 2010 to close, now that a deal has fallen through to sell the car line to the Penske Automotive Group. But many showrooms could close by January because inventory is low. That means the sooner you shop, the better your choices.

Saturn is offering 16 contestants from the River Days audience will be selected for the opportunity to prove just how much they love Jon Bon Jovi, by kissing the Saturn Astra. Contestants who compete in the car-kissing marathon will compete for a chance to win. All who participate will win tickets to Bon Jovi's July 7 concert at the Palace of Auburn Hills, and the winner will receive two passes to go backstage before the concert. The goal is to help raise awareness and donations for Habitat for Humanity projects in the Detroit area.